Posted by Scott on October 17th, 2007 — Posted in Home Security
Sunstkitts.com recently published an article with crime prevention and safety tips for your home. It has about 7 tips. In my opinion, the following two are the best:
Install a peephole in the door - and use it.
Don’t let any stranger into your home when you’re alone, no matter what the reason or how dire the emergency is said to be. Offer to make an emergency phone call while the person waits outside.
Also, one tip includes a mention about keeping entrances to your home well-lit. I think that is wise advice, because it will allow you and others to spot anyone out there, and it will provide safety for you when exiting and entering the house.
What do you think?
No Comments »
Posted by Scott on November 4th, 2006 — Posted in Home Security, Self-Defense Advice
The following self-defense tips come from fightwize.com:
Alarms are the number one deterrent for burglars
Fit Deadlocks on all doors and windows, do not leave the key in the lock but leave a key in each room in a place well known by all family Members in case you needed to get out in case of Emergency
Dogs are a big deterrent to Burglars
Fit Security lighting at entrances to your home
Do you have a Neighborhood watch Program in your area?
You spend a lot of time at home – Make it a safe place
Natural Weapons that you can use that are probably already scattered around
Change the locks when you 1st move – you never know who may still have keys
Add Deadlocks to all doors and windows
Keep these windows locked (Windows can be locked in a semi-open position)
Every room should have an item that can be used as a weapon
Pens are great weapons, have one in every room and know how you could use it
Make sure that you know a way that you could get out of every room in the house – via a window maybe, and what’s on the other side of that window – Garage, long drop ?
The kitchen is full of weapons from knives to chemicals (oven cleaner, detergents)
The bathroom can also have cleaners, perfumes, objects etc
A small toilet can also make a good safe place as you can sit and jam the door shut with your legs, there are also chemicals – Bleach etc, toilet brushes too
Laundry rooms also make an access way into your house, if there’s a window in there make sure that it’s locked, don’t leave keys in the locks (Doors or windows).
Keep the iron in the Laundry room as this can be a very effective weapon, especially when hot
Close your blinds at night so burglars cannot have freedom to look inside and see what you have.
Do you know your way around your home in the pitch black of the night?
Do not use your full name on your mailbox or in the phone book
Do not leave a schedule of your away times on the answering machine.
If you’re home alone, do not let strangers know, invent a room mate
Know your neighbors in case of emergency
Do not allow strangers into your home to use the phone, offer to make the call for them
Ask for photo ID of repairs people. If necessary phone their Company to verify
Don’t hide spare keys in easily accessible places.
Consider creating a safe room in your house with a separate phone line or Cell phone
Never give personal information out to telephone solicitors
Check whose at the door before you open it
Don’t label keys with your name and personal information on them
Always carry enough change to make a phone call.
1 Comment »
Posted by Scott on August 11th, 2006 — Posted in Home Security
by Bill Thomas
I cannot take credit for the following idea, but since it is a great one, I wanted to pass it along. Most of the new cars are equipped with a panic alarm that will sound when pressed. When you come home at night instead of hanging the keys up on the key rack or some other place, put them on the stand next to your bed. If while you’re lying in bed some night, you hear someone trying to get in your door, or maybe you hear someone outside, push the panic alarm button, and odds are, you’ll scare the intruder away.
Most panic alarms work from a good distance and it should work from inside the house, but try it during the day to make sure that it will work from different parts of your house. Get in the habit of taking your keys to bed with you, or better yet, get an extra set and keep them near your bed. This idea is especially useful for people who live alone and for women.
Lastly, remember to always have your keys out when you’re walking to you car. Please share these ideas with others to help prevent crimes and perhaps save a life.
Car Safety Tips
4 Comments »
Posted by Scott on August 11th, 2006 — Posted in Home Security
by Jill Steele © 2006, All Rights Reserved
You’ve lived here for years. You’ve never had any trouble. But one otherwise quiet night, you hear a strange noise. It sounds like the jiggling of a doorknob. Is someone breaking into your house? Are the kids still in bed? Where did you leave the phone? It’s three o’clock in the morning, and there is no one around to help. With no home alarm system, your mind starts racing a million miles a second trying to think of ways to keep your family safe and - at the same time - work out an escape route.
This is a situation all too many people find themselves in every year. The middle of a potentially life-threatening emergency with no security alarm system is no time to discover you need additional help. The best time to work those things through is right now when all is well. There are some simple ideas you can put into place right now that can help prevent break-ins at your home. Even if you have a home alarm system, these tips go a long way to give added safety.
Leave the Outside Lights On Every Night
Most people never turn on the outside lights unless they are leaving. While they believe turning outdoor lights on when they leave is a safety measure, they are only partially correct. Why? Because if the only time you turn the outdoor lights on is when you leave, you’re sending a glaring signal to burglars that says, “Hey! I’ve gone out for several hours tonight so help yourself. I’ll turn the lights off when I get back so you and your buddies will know not to come around.”
Turn your porch lights and other outdoor lights on *every* night, whether you’re leaving your home or not. This way, you accomplish two things. First, you shed light on dark areas that might otherwise help to camouflage burglars. Second, you take away the signal burglars are waiting to see that tells them you’re away from home. Alarm systems are fabulous for helping in times of emergency, but prevention is still the number-one cure for break-ins.
Un-Clutter Windows and Doorways
When you give burglars plenty of cover, they will likely take advantage of it. Tall bushes and shrubs that fully or partially cover windows make great hiding places. Burglars can easily squat behind a bush as they work on prying open a window for entry. Likewise, tall topiaries, statues or other objects that offer cover to burglars should be removed from around your doorways. Don’t provide anything that would give a robber a hiding place.
Make It Too Much Trouble
Most burglars are looking for an easy score. If they think entry will be too difficult or that there is a high risk of being caught (as is the case with security alarm systems), they will probably move on to another house. If you currently have a home alarm system, place the signs and window stickers in prominent places where they can be readily seen. This practice is frequently recommended by police departments because of its effectiveness. Motion detector lights are also good deterrents. Security pins for sliding doors and windows would definitely be too much trouble for your average burglar to fuss with. In addition, double-paned windows are extra trouble to break (and extra noisy!) giving burglars yet another reason to look elsewhere for a victim.
Another good idea is to survey your home and think like a burglar. If you were trying to break into your own house, how would you do it? What would you need to be successful? If you find easy ways to break into your home, chances are a burglar will, too. Make notes as you walk around your house and then take immediate action to stop trouble before it starts.
About The Author: Jill Steele works for Monitronics International, one of the largest and fastest growing security alarm system monitoring companies in the United States. Focused on quality and customer service, Monitronics home alarm systems offer protection against burglary, fire and medical emergencies. Visit them online today at http://www.monitronics.com.
1 Comment »
Posted by Scott on August 5th, 2006 — Posted in Home Security
by Anthony Neary
Government statistics reveal that 60% of burglaries on homes fitted with burglar alarms are unsuccessful, which proves that they can act as a useful deterrent in most cases. Burglars tend to search for less challenging targets than houses equipped with an alarm.
Choosing the right home security system can be overwhelming task, especially if you not acquainted with the basics. However, you’ll need to first check that the general security of your home is taken care of, and then consider the situation of your house and the crime statistics in your local area. A burglar alarm can either be a necessity or provide an additional safeguard and peace of mind, knowing that you have done your best to ensure the protection of your home and family.
How Much Security do I Need?
Security systems should be designed to give you a combination of parameter and interior protection which can include door and window sensors, glass break coverage, motion detectors, and fire protection. Based on the features of the property being protected, add-on protection can be installed to meet specific property needs.
If you are an inexperienced security system user, it may be valuable to consider your need for a security camera system.
Types of Systems
Hard Wire – Nowadays, security systems have become more important than ever before. Protecting assets and ensuring privacy has become of paramount importance for homeowners. Today’s technology offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to alarm systems, allowing everyone access to this basic form of protection.
Wireless - Wireless home security systems are gaining popularity, as people want to do away with complicated and confusing wiring operations. In these wireless systems, battery operated control panels use existing radio wave frequencies to allow for easier operation and maintenance of the alarm system. Moreover, these days, intruder alarms are being adapted to accommodate apartments as well as private homes.
Detection
Most alarm systems have at least two types of detection devices. The most commonly used ones are:-
Magnetic Contacts – Magnetic contacts consist of a magnet fitted to the opening part of a door or window and a switch fitted to the frame. When the two parts are separated (the door or window is opened), the alarm is activated.
Passive Infra-red Receivers - Commonly referred to as PIRs, Passive Infra-red Receivers are generally fitted into the corner of a room and look for changes in temperature, such as an intruder’s body heat.
Monitored Home Security Systems
Actual components and services usually vary in different companies, but here is an overview of the components and services you can expect to get from a home security system.
Command Stations: Various service providers refer to the command station by different names, e.g. Great Alarms calls it a “command station”, ADT refers to it as a “touchpad”, and Brinks calls it a “keypad”. From this command point, the system can be armed or disarmed, help can be summoned, and warnings can be given to others in the house by means of a device such as a whistle, horn, chime or similar item. You can also get more than one station or keypad installed, such as one in the living area and one in the bedroom.
Door & Window Sensors: In terms of functionality and ease of use, door and window sensors are simple devices, but when you purchase them one at a time, their cost can add up to a significant amount. Home security companies and other vendors earn their money by providing monthly monitoring services; these companies purchase items like these in bulk, and at wholesale prices that are much lower than the price offered to the general population. As such, it is often more sensible to purchase a package installation, as opposed to buying individual components, one at a time.
Motion Detectors: Motion detectors can be used to sense an intruder’s presence and activate alarms or summon help.
Remote Controls: In addition to the command station, keypad, or touchpad, many systems include a remote device which you may carry with you. These range from small units suitable to be carried on a keychain to larger units intended to be carried within your house.
Sensors: There are sensors available to detect fire, heat, moisture, carbon monoxide, breaking glass and flex.
Alarms & Other Warning Devices: The old familiar “alarm” has almost become a passé. You can get chimes, sirens, and even strobe lights to warn you of break-ins or other emergencies.
Security Cameras: Security cameras are not a standard inclusion in domestic security systems that belong to the average-price segment. They are, however, available as an add-on security option.
Alarm Company Vetting and Alarms Administration
There are some unscrupulous alarm companies, which may tell you they are police approved or that the police will respond automatically when the alarm is activated. Beware of such stories, and always check with your local police station and obtain at least three competitive quotations before investing in a home security system. If contacted by telephone, never disclose details of your security arrangements. Ensure that the installed alarm is fitted and maintained to British Standard specifications. The standards you should look for are: BS4737 for wired alarms and BS6799 for wireless alarms. Companies should offer a 24-hour service along with a guaranteed 4 hour response to emergency call-outs.
The most common of security systems is the traditional “bells only” system. When professionally fitted, these cost around £500 plus another £65 per year for a maintenance contract.
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) suggests that householders use a professional alarm installation company registered with a police recognised “alarm inspectorate.” Ask for your security company’s registration documents, and look for the following accreditation:
NSI (National Security Inspectorate)
NACOSS (National Approval Council for Security Systems)
ICON (an approval scheme run by NSI)
SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)
The association also suggests that householders only speak to installers that offer a free survey and written quotation without obligation, and turn away companies that try to shock them with stories or statistics about burglary. Burglaries are less common than most people think and violent attacks on people in their houses are extremely rare. You should consider reporting any companies that use shock tactics to your local police or trading standards.
No Comments »
Posted by Scott on August 4th, 2006 — Posted in Home Security
Mace™ Motion Alert is a passive infrared system that detects motion in any selected area. Compact and attractive, it mounts easily (vertically or horizontally) near any entry area and is battery operated, eliminating any need for wiring. Unit can be coded with a personal security code and can be set to utilize a two-tone entry chime, instead of the alarm sound. Mounting screws and AC connector included. 9-volt battery not included.
Lock’n Alarm for metal sliding doors and windows. Provides additional lock security and alarm safety to sliding doors/windows even when left partially open. Vibration from an attempt to open door/window sounds high output 120 db alarm siren. Screw locking mechanism keeps window secure. Battery included. Off/On switch.
Mace™ Big Jammer is a strong 20 gauge steel adjustable door brace that installs easily under doorknob and provides added security for home or business. Adjusts to fit most hinged doors. End caps can be removed to allow for use on sliding glass doors as well. Clean, baked enamel finish makes it attractive for in-house use.
Magnetic Door/ Window Alarm uses magnetic affinity to initiate its 110-decibel siren. The base of the alarm is bolted to door or window frame, the actuator is connected to the window or door. The alarm is activated by opening the door or window. Great for any door or window, particularly those hard to protect sliding glass doors. Requires three lithium button cell batteries (included).
Mini Alert Alarm uses passive infrared technology to protect a room from intruders. Producing an infrared triangle, the Mini Alert creates an unseen barrier that is impossible to penetrate without setting off the alarm! Battery operated the Mini Alert needs no wiring and can be easily moved to a new location. Mounting bracket included. Requires three “AA” batteries.
Mace™ Window Alert is a 95-decibel glass breakage alarm that attaches to windows and set off by vibrations if someone tries to break through. Installs easily on any window. Solid, state-of-the-art design. Battery included.
Buy these items and more at Scott’s Safety Shop
www.ScottSafetyShop.com
No Comments »
Posted by Scott on July 19th, 2006 — Posted in Home Security
by Scott Bianchi
A very small percentage of people are burglarized in their home each year in this country. The problem is, you can never be sure you won’t be one of them. So, do you feel safe in your home? When I was growing up we never locked the doors at my parent’s house. Those days of feeling that safe are long gone.
The average family in the United States lives paycheck to paycheck. They have many things they need to worry about financially. When it comes to spending money they want to save it whenever they can and they tend to not spend on “luxury” items. A quality home security system is one of those luxuries, or is it?
Having worked in the insurance industry the last eight years I know how important it is to have a security system. I know that the insurance company will do whatever they can to increase your homeowner’s premium and sell you a bill of goods. I also know when and if a loss occurs they will do whatever they can to pay you as little as they can. A lot of people rely on insurance companies to save them for some reason. They had a loss and think the insurance company will make it all OK. Well, I am here to tell you this is not the case. Insurance companies are multi-billion companies for a reason and it is not for being overly generous with your premiums when you make a claim.
Maybe I am just overly cautious. Maybe I feel having a security system in my home is worth more than the average person. I would just hate to see what would happen if my house was broken into and something happened to my wife or daughter. I can replace my TV and my furniture. I can repair any damage done. But when I hear of children being kidnapped or women being raped in their homes I just want to do everything I can to prevent that from happening.
So, the real question is do you think a few hundred dollars is too much to spend to protect your material belongings and your safety as well as your families? Many people think in order to have a quality security system you need to have one that is monitored by a company such as ADT, Brinks, or Guardian. Those companies charge a monthly monitoring fee. Those companies are also billion dollar companies for a reason.
Technology is constantly improving and as a result you can build yourself a quality security system for a fraction of the cost of a system from any of the three companies mentioned in the previous paragraph. I also think that they will do a better job in protecting your home. I did a comparison of ADT and a build your own system through X10 Wireless. A basic system through ADT would cost me $2226 for the first year only. This is a combination of the system cost and the $47.99 monthly monitoring fee. I built a better system through X10 Wireless for just under $700 and this was a much more advanced system, to even include multiple cameras and recording devices. I could have added a few more components if I wanted and still be well under $1000.
My suggestion to you, take a look and see how affordable it really is. You may be pleasantly surprised at just how inexpensive a nice system is.
About the Author: Scott Bianchi operates Home Security Systems, Web Hosting, and Internet Bargains . He writes on a variety of topics. If you would like to be added to his distribution list for his new articles when they are published just send an email to articles@bestinternetbargains.com .
No Comments »
